“She’s an extraordinary woman,” Ben interrupted. “Way above my pay grade.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Shane said, grinning. “I seem to recall Elias thought the same thing about Wren, too. Look how that turned out.”
Ben chuckled. “There’s a world of difference between Elias and me.”
Shane laughed. “That’s fair. Out of all of us, Elias was the one who picked up the most women. That golden-boy thing—blonde hair, blue eyes, steady stream of jokes and compliments. No woman stood a chance.”
Ben smirked. “The bastard.”
“Meanwhile, you were steady. Confident. Hell, you’ve always been confident—just not when it comes to women.”
Ben gave him a flat look. “Thanks.”
Shane laughed, then sobered. “But like I was trying to say before, I know something about Charlie that you probably don’t. Something shelovesto do.”
Ben froze and went deathly pale. “You guys never… you d-didn’t?—?”
“Hook up? Oh hell, no,” Shane said, appalled. “King’s one of the guys. Always has been. I love her like a brother.”
Ben exhaled as the color returned to his face.
“No, this is something else. And believe me, you’re gonna beat a path to her door, double-time.” Shane’s mouth curved as he leaned in and told Ben what he knew.
Ben’s eyes narrowed. “You’re serious? You’re not messing with me?”
“Dead serious.” Shane told him, watching the shift—Ben’s posture straightened then relaxed. His expression softened. Eyes lit up. “There’s your in, brother.”
“You think so?”
“Dude. I know so.” Shane gave him a look. “So get over yourself and ask her out.”
Ben looked down at the sketch between them. Tapped the corner. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Yeah. Maybe I will.”
Shane triedto keep his hand from trembling. He watched April’s expression shift—confused, then wide-eyed, her mouth parting, breath catching, gaze locked on the velvet box in his fingers.
“Is… is that—?” Her eyes snapped to his, blinking hard.
He dropped to one knee as she gasped.
He opened the box.
The aquamarine caught the light—sky-colored, set low into a white gold band etched with a river that shimmered like it was in motion.
Shane looked up into her eyes.
“There is no doubt in my mind that you could hold up the entire sky by yourself if you had to, April. But I’m here to tellyou—you don’t have to. Not because you can’t, but because you shouldn’t have to. Not all alone. Not as long as I’m back in your life. I’m not here to tell you that you’re weak. I’m here to help you be strong.”
Her breath hitched.
“I wanted you to walk into that courtroom today wearing something that makes it clear you’re not alone,” he said. “That Kevin has two parents who would go to war for him. That you have someone who’s not just fighting beside you, but building a life with you, if you’ll have me,” he said, as he blinked back tears. “I love you. I’ve been in love with you since we were seventeen.”
April nodded vigorously. “Me, too. I’ve loved you since we were seventeen, too. I could never forget you.” She bit her lower lip as a sob escaped her.
“So, April Taylor. Will you do me the great honor of being my wife?”
Tears spilled down her cheeks, but her smile shone through them.
“Yes,” she whispered. Then, louder, “Yes, Shane. Of course, yes. Yes!”
